County Durham charity needs your help to support dogs who are homeless this Christmas

There's a very special cause behind one Christmas Fair which will return to the region this festive season.

From a wide range of stalls, to tombolas, raffles and various games, there will be something for all the family to enjoy as this annual event returns to County Durham. But aside from spreading festive cheer, this one-day event has an important aim - to raise money to support dogs who will spend this year in a shelter.

The team at Dogs Trust Darlington are decking the halls in preparation to welcome visitors to the Festive Fair at the rehoming centre on Saturday, November 30. All the money raised at the Christmas Fair will go directly to supporting the dogs. And there will also be an opportunity to see the dogs currently available for rehoming.

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At the event, which will run between 11am and 4pm, visitors will be able to and then browse the many craft and food stalls, or take a break in the Christmas Cafe with a cuppa and mince pie or two. And Dogs Trust is also inviting guests to bring their dogs with them so they can meet 'Santa-Paws' and have their photo taken with the man himself.

With just a few weeks to go until the Sadberge-based rehoming centre hosts the much-loved festive event, staff are on the lookout for donations, including unwanted gifts, toiletries and trinkets, new dog toys, alcohol, chocolates or biscuits for its tombolas. Dogs Trust Darlington is also appealing for larger donations that would be suitable for raffle prizes.

Gordon Norrie, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust Darlington, said: "The Christmas Fair is a key fundraising event for us and it's always a special day. We look forward to welcoming everyone along to the rehoming centre for a festive, fun-filled afternoon.

"All the money raised at the Christmas Fair will go directly to supporting the dogs in our care. It’s a wonderful way to raise pounds for hounds whilst getting in the Christmas spirit."

Entry and parking are free on the day.

If you have any goodies to donate, please drop them off at Dogs Trust Darlington, Hill House Lane, Sadberge, County Durham, DL2 1SL or contact Gordon at gordon.norrie@dogstrust.org.uk